Battle of Batoche: 9-12 May 1885

After the clash with Dumont's Métis at Fish Creek, Major-General Frederick Middleton reunited his force. Once riverboats had delivered provisions and additional supplies, Middleton advanced on Batoche where the Métis had constructed a series of fortified positions.

On 9 May 1885, the main Canadian force arrived at Batoche, and Middleton prepared to launch the North-West Rebellion: 1885.

final assault on the Métis stronghold. His mounted troops would create a diversion along the front of the Métis lines, while the infantry would attack the Métis right flank. The attack was scheduled for the morning of 12 May. However, the infantry commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Van Straubenzie, failed to hear the artillery fire that would signal the attack, and the cavalry diversion was a wasted manoeuvre.

Later the same day, two militia officers, Colonel Grasett of the Royal Grenadiers and Colonel Williams of the Midland Battalion, led their men in a charge of the Métis positions. Apparently, they acted without orders. In a matter of minutes, the rest of the infantry joined in the attack, which soon overwhelmed the rebels, who were desperately low on ammunition. Three days later, Louis Riel, the Métis leader, surrendered.